NJPW ‘G1 Climax 29’ Night 2 Preview & Predictions

NJPW ‘G1 Climax 29’ Night 2 Preview & Predictions

Every day leading up to the G1 Climax I’ll be making predictions and today we’re onto the B Block’s tournament opener, set to take place on July 13th at in Tokyo, Japan. The B Block will be kicking off their tournament with five matches, let’s get started!

Shingo Takagi vs Juice Robinson
The B Block is kicking off with a bang between two guys who are not afraid to throw down. Juice identifies as a ham and egger and a match with Shingo will certainly put him to the test. Shingo has only been pinned once since making his New Japan debut, this will be just as big of a test for Juice as it will be for Shingo. I expect extremely physicality from both men wanting to start off their tournament with a big statement win.Prediction: Shingo Takagi

Jon Moxley vs Taichi
The aggressive nature of Moxley matched up with the devil may care attitude of Taichi is sure to create a fun dynamic. These two couldn’t have a more opposite approach on wrestling than they do. Fans and wrestlers alike urge Taichi to put more care into his performances but he constantly pushes back on their eagerness. Moxley wrestles like he’s been shot out of a cannon every night but he’ll have his hands full with the aloof Taichi. This may come down to who wants it more and history shows that Taichi cares very little.Prediction: Jon Moxley

Tetsuya Naito vs Toru Yano
Naito got the unlucky draw of matching up with Yano on the opening night. How you perform against Yano can set the tone for the rest of your tournament. Get caught in his tricks and Yano may wreck your head for the rest of the G1. This will be the eighth time these two have met in the G1 and Naito has a winning record of 5-2 in those meetings. Yano is the most dangerous man in the tournament. If you overlook him, you’re finished.Prediction: Tetsuya Naito

Tomohiro Ishii vs Jeff Cobb
These two are no strangers to one another. They’ve had singles matches in the U.S. and Ireland but this will be their first singles in Japan. Ishii owns the series with a 2-0 record which that alone would be enough for Cobb to want the win but also factor in that Ishii is the current NEVER Openweight Champion, a title Cobb held just two months prior, and we’re guaranteed to get the best out of Cobb. Pinning a champion in the G1 almost certainly locks you in as a future challenger so I expect Cobb to make a huge statement win.Prediction: Jeff Cobb

Jay White vs Hirooki Goto
A rematch from Wrestling Hi No Kuni where White defeated Goto on the show’s main event. Goto will look to get his revenge and re-establish himself as a main event player in New Japan. He came into last year’s G1 as the NEVER Openweight Champion but finished the tournament with a disappointing record of 3-6 and lost the title to Taichi shortly thereafter. White made his G1 debut last year and finished with an impressive 6-3 record. He then went on to capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship back in February, a title that’s eluded Goto his entire career. The trajectory of both men’s career seem to be pulling in the opposite direction. Another loss for Goto would continue his downward spiral. The G1 is known for their upset wins early and as crazy as it is to say at this point in their respective careers, Goto is the underdog here.Prediction: Hirooki Goto